Chelsea are set to demand a British record transfer fee to part ways with Enzo Fernandez to Manchester City.
City are intent on securing the Chelsea midfielder ahead of Tuesday's transfer deadline, and Fernandez is eager for a reunion with head coach Enzo Maresca. However, Chelsea are seeking more than the original £120 million ($162.4 million) valuation placed on Fernandez, and any agreement will undoubtedly need to shatter transfer records.
It is anticipated that Chelsea will seek a fee in the region of £130 million (around $176 million) and, despite both City and Fernandez remaining hopeful of completing a deal, Chelsea are also looking to recruit replacements before committing to a sale, as per The Mirror.
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There is considerable optimism that a transfer can be completed, but Fernandez now looks set to be the marquee deal of this window. City splashed £116 million ($155.2 million) on Elliot Anderson before Chelsea surpassed that figure with a £117 million ($156.5 million) agreement for Morgan Rogers.
Arsenal have Julian Alvarez firmly in their sights for upwards of £120 million, but a Fernandez deal would eclipse that. Argentina's FIFA World Cup winner arrived at Chelsea for £106 million ($131 million) in January 2023 and courted interest from Real Madrid last season before the Spanish giants declared they were not pursuing a move.
Fernandez has already earned the status of public enemy No. 1 among rival supporters, yet remains eager to link up once more with Maresca at City, having thrived under his management at Chelsea, claiming a European trophy, the Club World Cup, and securing Champions League qualification.
However, the deal remains undeniably complex, with the clock ticking on Chelsea's ability to secure adequate replacements.
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Chelsea have pinpointed Alex Scott as their top priority, but AFC Bournemouth have made it clear he is not for sale. Links to Martin Zubimendi have also emerged, though Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has ruled out any possibility of his departure.
Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga represents another potential acquisition, while Chelsea are closing in on a deal for Emiliano Martinez and continue to seek reinforcements at the back.
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